Stellenbosch University is one of the topmost higher educational institutions in Africa. If you want to study in Stellenbosch University and you want to apply, here are simple guides for you. This guide contains online application, offline application and admission requirements.
Step 1: Before you apply
Before you apply,
1. Read on all the programmes offered at Stellenbosch University.
2. Make sure that you understand what it takes to be accepted by the different faculties by reading the admission and selection requirements below.
3. Check the closing dates before you apply.
Closing dates:
30 June: Residence applications close.
31 August: Applications close for Stellenbosch University financial assistance.
31 May: Applications close for the programme MB,ChB in the Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences.
30 June: Applications close for all other undergraduate programmes.
Check out : Stellenbosch University Admission Requirements
Step 2: Pick your programme
You get to pick three programmes, because some programmes are harder to get into than
others because of the limited space available.
Even if you’re not selected for your first choice, you could still be selected for your second or third choice.
Step 3: Start your application
Offline application
Only apply with a paper application form if you don’t have access to the internet, otherwise, simply apply online.
- You can get a paper application form at 021 808 9111 or at info@sun.ac.za.
- Complete all the required fields and post the form with the other application documents so that they reach the university before the closing date.
- If the university receive both an online application and a paper form application from you, they’ll only look at the online application.
Online application
Stellenbosch University loves online applications.
- Start your online application. Click here to apply.
- Get your username and 8-digit password.
- Complete the online form.
Also Read : Stellenbosch University application status: How to check on your Stellenbosch University application
Step 4: Upload the needed documents
When you’re applying online, the university will need:
- your signed contract,
- proof of payment of the R100 application fee, and
- certified copies of supporting documents asked for (like your academic results and
faculty specific non-academic forms, if applicable).
Make sure the school receive the documents on time. You can monitor your application on Your Admission Status to ensure that your application is complete.
If you apply online, upload your documents online to Your Admission Status before the closing date.
If you apply with a paper form, you should put all the documents in the envelope with your application.
Step 5: Write the National Benchmark Test (NBT)
- If you apply to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences or for a programme in Law, you must write the National Benchmark Test (NBT) before the end of June, because your NBT result is used in the selection process.
- Everyone needs to write the NBT before you may register as a student at Stellenbosch University.
Step 6: Track your application
You can monitor the progress of your application at Your Admission Status. Check out Stellenbosch MySun student portal.
Admission and selection requirements
Also note Stellenbosch University has a brand new Admissions Policy.
To study at Stellenbosch University you are required to:
- South African school system: Have obtained a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi with admission to Bachelor’s degree studies, which means that you must obtain a mark of at least 50% in each of four school subjects from the list of university admission subjects: Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Business Studies, Consumer Studies, Dramatic Arts, Economics, Engineering Graphics and Design, Geography, History, Information Technology, Languages (one language of learning and teaching at a higher education institution and two other recognised language subjects), Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Music, Physical Sciences, Religion Studies and Visual Arts.
- International school system: Final school results from International Curriculum (Cambridge International, International Baccalaureate, etc.), including School of Tomorrow.
- Have written the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).
Note that when you apply for a programme in the faculty of Law and of Medicine and Health Sciences, the NBT’s need to be written before 30 June if you want to be considered for selection.
- Also meet further requirements specific to the programme(s) of your choice as set out in the programme outlines under the various faculties
Recommended : Stellenbosch University Courses
Faculty selection guidelines
Large numbers of prospective students apply for programmes. Unfortunately the school can accept only a limited number of students.
Even though you may meet the admission requirements of a programme, you are not guaranteed admission to the programme of your choice.
- AgriSciences
- Arts and Social Sciences
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education (Foundation Phase)
- Education (Intermediate Phase)
- Engineering
- Law
- Science
- Medicine and Health Sciences
– MB,ChB?
– Dietetics
– Physiotherapy
– Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy
– Occupational Therapy
– Nursing
For further inquiries, please contact our Client Service Centre
Tel.: 021 808 9111
E-mail: info@sun.ac.za
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Sponsored Guide
Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.